Prelims: Current events of National and International importance| Environment
Why in News?
COP31’s proposed 35-by-35 pledge aims to raise electricity’s share of global final energy demand to at least 35% by 2035, nearly quadrupling the pace of electrification since 2010.
What is the 35-by-35 Pledge?
The 35-by-35 electrification pledge is a target introduced at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye.
- The Target– It aims to raise electricity's share of global final energy consumption to at least 35% by 2035, up from roughly 23% today (and 17.8% in 2010).
- The Objective– It seeks to replace direct fossil fuel burning (such as petrol in cars, coal in factory boilers, or charcoal for cooking) with clean electricity across transport, buildings, and industry.
- Leadership– The target was formalised by the Turkish COP31 Presidency and backed by Australia (President for Negotiations, led by Minister Chris Bowen).
Opportunity for the Global South
- Bypassing Fossil Fuels– Countries can move straight to decentralized or grid-connected clean energy systems rather than locking in decades of costly oil, gas, or coal infrastructure.
- Practical Household Benefits– Local projects (such as adopting electric pressure cookers in places like Kenya) show that transitioning cooking and basic energy use can sharply cut household energy spending and save time, even as electricity use grows.
- Energy Security– Shifting to local renewable power reduces economic vulnerability and exposure to volatile imported fuel prices.
Reference
Down to Earth| 35-by-35 Pledge
